Gudebrod Announces Layoffs, Possible Closing

In what some are suggesting may be a precursor to a shutdown, Gudebrod Inc., known among fly fishers as a chief source of fly-tying and rod-winding thread, is laying off at least 33 percent of its employees and says a plant closing could follow. The stated reason: the loss of a major customer. “Gudebrod’s roots date back to mid-1800s, according to the company Web site. It began as a company called Belding Brothers Silk Co., established in Middletown, Conn.” Michelle Karas in the Pottstown, Pennsylvania Mercury.